Education goes beyond academics—it extends into the everyday habits that shape who students become. At Verbum Dei International College, one of the priorities is ensuring that learners not only excel in their studies but also grow into healthy, disciplined, and responsible young people. A major part of this holistic approach is the school’s emphasis on healthy living and nutrition habits.
In today’s world, where unhealthy food choices and sedentary lifestyles are common among young people, this emphasis could not be more important. At Verbum Dei, students are introduced to practical lessons on how to care for their bodies through balanced diets, regular physical activity, and responsible choices that support long-term well-being.
Why Healthy Living is a Priority
Adolescence is a crucial stage for physical growth, brain development, and emotional stability. Poor nutrition or unhealthy routines during this stage can negatively affect learning, concentration, and overall performance.
For this reason, Verbum Dei integrates healthy living into both its academic curriculum and daily routines. The school believes that strong minds thrive in strong bodies. By instilling good habits early, students are empowered to carry them into adulthood, ensuring a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
Balanced Nutrition in the School
One of the ways Verbum Dei fosters healthy living is through the meals provided to students. The school’s cafeteria is not just a place to eat—it is a space where lessons in nutrition come alive.
- Balanced Diets: Meals are carefully planned to include proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Students are encouraged to eat from different food groups to maintain energy and growth.
- Reduced Junk Food: The school discourages excessive sugary snacks and soft drinks, guiding students toward healthier alternatives.
- Hydration Habits: Teachers and prefects remind students about the importance of drinking enough water daily, replacing unhealthy sugary drinks with clean water.
By promoting balanced nutrition, the school ensures that students are alert, energetic, and able to fully participate in academic and extracurricular activities.
Lessons Beyond the Plate
Healthy living is not just about food—it’s also about how students care for their overall well-being. At Verbum Dei, these lessons are taught in multiple ways:
- Health Education Classes
Students learn about the role of nutrients, the dangers of poor eating habits, and how lifestyle choices affect long-term health. - Practical Demonstrations
Teachers sometimes organize cooking demonstrations, teaching students how to prepare simple, nutritious meals at home. - Awareness Campaigns
Health weeks and seminars invite medical professionals to speak on topics such as hygiene, disease prevention, and personal fitness.
Physical Activity and Exercise
A healthy diet must go hand in hand with physical activity. Verbum Dei strongly emphasizes sports and exercise as part of everyday life.
- Daily Physical Activities: Morning drills, sports practice, and fitness routines help students build stamina and discipline.
- Diverse Sporting Opportunities: From football and basketball to athletics and table tennis, students are encouraged to find sports they enjoy.
- Inter-House Competitions: These not only promote team spirit but also instill the importance of consistent training and active living.
Through these activities, students learn that exercise is not a punishment but a joyful and rewarding part of life.
Hygiene and Wellness Habits
Nutrition and exercise are complemented by lessons in personal hygiene and general wellness. Students are trained to:
- Wash their hands regularly.
- Maintain clean uniforms and dormitories.
- Prioritize sleep and rest for mental alertness.
- Avoid harmful substances like drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
These habits may seem small, but they build the foundation of responsible living and long-term health.
Benefits for Students
The emphasis on healthy living produces visible benefits for students:
- Better Academic Performance: Proper nutrition and rest enhance focus and memory.
- Higher Energy Levels: Students participate more actively in sports, classes, and clubs.
- Improved Confidence: Good health often translates into better posture, self-esteem, and active participation.
- Resilience Against Illness: With stronger immunity from good nutrition and hygiene, absenteeism due to illness is reduced.
Challenges in Promoting Healthy Habits
Of course, instilling healthy habits is not always easy. Students may crave fast food or resist exercise. Some may view health education as less important than core subjects. However, Verbum Dei addresses these challenges by:
- Making health education interactive and practical rather than theoretical.
- Allowing occasional treats while ensuring balance.
- Encouraging peer influence, where seniors model good habits for juniors.
- Reinforcing health lessons through teacher reminders and school rules.
Building Lifelong Values
The greatest strength of Verbum Dei’s approach is that it equips students with lifelong values. Many alumni testify that they carried the lessons of balanced eating, regular exercise, and cleanliness into their adult lives. In a society where lifestyle-related illnesses are increasing, these habits give Verbum Dei students a clear advantage.
Healthy living at Verbum Dei is therefore not a short-term program but a philosophy of life—one that reminds students that success is not just about grades, but also about being physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to pursue their dreams.
Conclusion
At Verbum Dei International College, healthy living and nutrition are woven into the fabric of daily school life. By providing balanced meals, promoting physical activity, and teaching hygiene, the school equips students with habits that go far beyond the classroom.
These lessons prepare students to become not only scholars but also healthy, resilient, and responsible citizens. The investment in their well-being ensures that they are not just ready for exams, but also for life.
Ultimately, Verbum Dei shows that true education is about nurturing the mind, body, and character together. By teaching healthy living early, the college empowers its students to build a future of strength, confidence, and vitality.
